The Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association have honored a farrier for his work in patching quarter cracks, according to The Batavian.

Hamburg, N.Y., farrier Rusty Freeman was presented with the Innovator’s Award for his contributions to harness racing during the 10th annual “Night of Distinction” awards ceremony Dec. 16 at Batavia Downs.

“[Freeman] developed a way to use a Dremel tool and cut out just the part of the hoof he felt was needed, and then put a tube under the patch,” Tim Bojarski wrote for the Upstate New York Chapter of the United States Harness Writers Association. “That way air could still get to the sore area to aid healing and it could also be flushed with antiseptic to keep it clean.

“He then researched and developed an acrylic compound he uses instead of fiberglass and combines that with Kevlar cloth to do the patches. The combination of the tube under the new patch material gives the area every opportunity to heal and grow out properly in a short amount of time.”